How Do You Tarot?

I used to write a lot of deck reviews. When I did, my focus was on giving people the necessary basic facts about the deck that might help someone choose the right deck for them. This always included card size, type of art work (pictures included), what kind of deck it was (tarot, oracle, Lenormand, etc..), the information the companion book provided, any changes/irregularities in the deck format or content, and more. In the end, choosing a deck is a personal matter, but I felt such information is helpful when you are on the hunt for new additions to your reading experience. In the course of researching and using approximately 250 decks for review I learned a lot about the diverse ways these decks can be used, so I also started including other ways decks could be used to enhance not only one’s readings, but other facets of spiritual work as well. I also learned much about how the various spread types and reading styles can influence a reading, the reader, and one’s overall experience.
So, if you read, whether that is for yourself or for others, what’s your style?
Some people prefer larger, more elaborate, spreads (like the Celtic Cross) to glean as much information as possible, while other’s prefer smaller, less complicated, spreads. These can provide quicker, more general answers that can be elaborated on later, provide a general direction for the reader to expand on, and so on. If you are the type who likes to mix things up a little, you might choose the spread based on the question you are asking, the time you have, or the type of deck you are using.
Once you have chosen your deck and spread, asked your question, and dealt your cards, you may end up with more questions. Now you require clarification, which can be gained by drawing more cards. Some might choose to shuffle and deal again, perhaps asking the question differently or asking about a certain aspect of the previous reading. Other’s prefer to pull clarification cards. This can be done by simply shuffling and asking about that card/answer. However, there is nothing stopping one from grabbing another deck, or even from another system entirely! (Aside from cards you can also use runes, crystals, and other divination systems).
Mixing tarot and oracle cards can bring about some very interesting results. Oracle decks answer questions quite differently than tarot. Many provide information about the energies that surround a situation rather than describing the situation or the people involved. This can be quite helpful, as sometimes it can be much easier to change or enhance the energies that are influencing you or the situation than directly changing the circumstances directly.
This brings us to the other uses for the cards. Clarification does not have to end with the reading. Using the card that is causing you concern or confusion in meditation or journeying may bring you more insight. As well, meditating or journeying with a card that represents the energy or outcome you would like to manifest can also be helpful. These same cards can be used in spell work to achieve your goals or desires. If you are using your cards for shadow work, the same principles apply.
So, how do you tarot? Do you use multiple decks? Do you use only certain spreads? Have you ever made your own spread for a particular situation? Do you use your cards for something other than readings? I would love to know.